Roundtable: Predictions for Auburn vs UMass

How will the Tigers perform in their season opener?

Author:
Lance Dawe
Publish date:
Sep 1, 2023 11:00 AM EDT

In this story:

Auburn kicks their 2023 season off tomorrow afternoon against the UMass Minutemen.

Head coach Hugh Freeze looks to begin to right the ship for the Tigers after a disastrous two seasons underneath Bryan Harsin.

Here is the Auburn Daily Staff's takes on Auburn vs UMass.

What is the most important thing/position group/stat you will be paying attention to?

Zac: The defensive line. I want to see what the rotation looks like and how often Ron Roberts calls stunts in the opener.

Lance: The defensive front. How Auburn stops the run will be important to keep an eye on.

Andrew: I'll be paying attention to Auburn's yards before contact. This will prove the o-line has indeed improved.

Lindsay: Offensive line. Auburn's (arguably) made the biggest effort at overhauling this unit, and the success of both the running game and the passing game are contingent on their improvements.

Joshua: The primary position group I will be paying attention to will be the effectiveness of the Defensive line against the run. UMass runs a similar RPO style system and considering the performance throughout both camps this will be a concern of mine until proven otherwise.

Jack: Yards after catch, we got dynamic playmakers for a reason now they need to prove it.

Jeremy: Rushing yards: When Auburn can run the football anything feels possible. Without it, the passing game struggles, the quarterback is under too much pressure, and so is the defense. Auburn has a new offensive line. Can they run block?

Steve: Can the defensive line get consistent pressure on the QB and stop the run?

Shel: I will be paying attention to the trenches the most. The minutemen’s defense isn’t something to laugh at and should be a solid challenge to gauge the guys up front. Taisun Phommachanh, UMass' quarterback, accounted for 96 of the 197 rushing yards last week against New Mexico State. Excited to see how Auburn’s defensive line stops the run.

Liberty averaged 53 points per game against UMass in four straight contests under Hugh Freeze. If Auburn scores more than that, how will they have done it?

Zac: I think it's going to be a balance. 53 points is a lot of points, that'd be an awesome way to start the Hugh Freeze era.

Lance: Deep passing plays and turnovers will help the Tigers get close to that mark.

Andrew: For the Tigers to put up points like that, they will need offensive balance and some turnovers on defense.

Lindsay: Defensive scores and long plays on offense. With the new running clock, it's going to be hard to get as many possessions as in the past, but if Auburn can either score quickly via long passes/breakaway runs or defensive scores (or both) they could put scores up on the board in a hurry.

Joshua: Considering Coach Freeze is more than familiar with UMass and playing against them, I feel Auburn can reach that score or possibly higher through playing a clean and balanced offensive attack.

Jack: Heavy emphasis on the run, I expect Battie, Hunter and Alston all to score.

Jeremy: If Auburn gets to 53 Saturday I would assume they get there with balance. I think they would need turnovers or explosive plays in addition unless the offensive plays lights out.

Steve: If they score more than 53, it will be run heavy with some well-timed deep balls to stretch the field.

Shel: Auburn scores through a balanced attack. Three touchdowns through the air and four touchdowns on the ground.

Who scores the first touchdown of the game, and how?

Zac: Shane Hooks catches it 20 yards out from Payton Thorne.

Lance: Rivaldo Fairweather from less than 10 yards out.

Andrew: How is this even a question the answer is Shane Hooks mossing someone on a fade route.

Lindsay: Jarquez Hunter, via red zone carry.

Joshua: With the explosiveness of or running back room and the specialist we now have on special teams I believe this could be a toss up between the two. Battie could run a kickoff back or Hunter could break free for a long rushing touchdown.

Jack: Jarquez Hunter, rush to the outside.

Jeremy: Thorne scrambles for Auburn’s first touchdown Saturday.

Steve: Jarquez Hunter will score first on a long run.

Shel: Give me a 15-yard Rivaldo Fairweather touchdown on the first drive.

Name the defensive and offensive MVP of the game.

Zac: Offense - Payton Thorne. Defense - Jayson Jones

Lance: Offensive MVP will be Rivaldo Fairweather, he'll be the primary target for Thorne. Defensive MVP will be Cam Riley.

Andrew: Offensive, O-Line. Defensive, DJ James.

Lindsay: Jarquez Hunter and Jayson Jones.

Joshua: The defensive player of the game in my opinion will be Austin Keys, I feel he has adjusted to Ron Roberts defensive scheme the best so far. I believe the Offensive player of the game will be Rivaldo Fairweather. This young man is an elite tight end the likes we haven't seen in a while on The Plains, and given the cracks in UMass's secondary I feel he is going to go out there and eat.

Jack: Jarquez Hunter and Keionte Scott.

Jeremy: Payton Thorne and Elijah McAllister.

Steve: Defensive MVP is Elijah McAllister and the Offensive MVP Shane Hooks.

Shel: Offensive MVP - Payton Thorne, Defensive MVP - D.J. James